The Hunterdon Land Trust is the only nonprofit conservation organization that works exclusively throughout Hunterdon County. We partner with landowners, local governments and other nonprofit organizations to preserve and protect natural areas and farmland.

Since its founding in 1996, the Hunterdon Land Trust has helped protect over 6,000 acres of open space and farmland in more than a dozen municipalities throughout Hunterdon County. Though the current economic downturn has slowed the pace of sprawl in recent years, we recognize that it’s only a matter of time before development once again accelerates. A series of studies by analysts at Rowan and Rutgers Universities indicates that the Garden State – already the most densely populated in the Union – may be the first to reach build-out, the point at which all available land has been developed.

The next few decades will determine the fate of Hunterdon County’s remaining undeveloped landscapes. Roughly half of the county’s 280,000 acres have been developed or preserved. What will happen to the other half? The Hunterdon Land Trust envisions a future for our county with clean drinking water and productive family farms. We see a place with beautiful landscapes, clean water, productive farms,diverse wildlife and abundant recreational opportunities.

A Comprehensive Land Preservation Plan

The key to making this vision a reality is strategic land preservation. In December 2011, the Hunterdon Land Trust developed a strategic, countywide conservation plan designed to focus our efforts, make the

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most of our resources, and work more efficiently with our partners.

The plan identifies critical areas where preservation will have the greatest impact on water quality, wildlife habitat, high-value soils, outdoor recreation and scenic views. Our goal is to preserve 10,000 acres in the next 10 years. The Land Trust has defined six project regions based on the above criteria, with numerous target areas within each region.